S1E44 - David Rubenstein - History Through Icons
We met with business magnate and patriotic philanthropist, David Rubenstein, to discuss his new PBS series - Iconic America. This entertaining and informative eight-part series is an exploration of our glorious and inglorious history as symbolized by eight key American icons. For students of history, our conversation illuminates some of the key stories revealed in the series, as well as some of their backstories and a little inside baseball. For fans of David Rubenstein himself, our conversation dipped into his origins, his motivations, his successes and his aspirations. Rubenstein is a believer and a beneficiary of the “American Dream,” and his philanthropy supports this country’s further perfection of the dream. Convinced that we ignored George Santayana’s advice and are making some of the same mistakes of our past, Iconic America is an enticing invitation to dig deeper and learn more. Join us.
Biography
David M. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private investment firms. Established in 1987, Carlyle now manages $369 billion from 29 offices around the world. He is an active philanthropist and chairperson to countless causes, an author, a television host, and an attorney.
In May 2023, PBS launched Rubenstein’s eight-part series entitled Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories. As host, he examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, on location and in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. After the first four episodes air (Fenway Park, The Hollywood Sign, The Gadsden Flag, and The Cowboy), we will meet with David Rubenstein to discuss the project before the last four episodes air (The Statue of Liberty, The American Bald Eagle, Stone Mountain, The Golden Gate Bridge).
For the Ages: A History Podcast
TV: The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations
Conversation recorded on July 28, 2023.